Harley’s Smokeshack

“Overall, in the food desert that is Spanish Harlem filled with one mexi/cuchi/chinese spot after another, Harley's is a refreshing oasis.”

“They have happy hour from 12-7 and Wednesday is ladies night from 12-close.”

“I enjoyed the bbq ribs, chicken lollipops, mac and cheese and a couple of refreshing margaritas.”

Harley’s Smokeshack

Takes Reservations: Yes
Delivery: Yes
Take-out: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Bike Parking: Yes
Good for Kids: Yes
Good for Groups: Yes
Outdoor Seating: Yes
Has TV: Yes
Waiter Service: Yes
Caters: Yes
PokéStop Nearby: Yes

Price range.

$$ Price range $11-30

8 reviews

  1. Harley's Smokeshack is my new favorite brunch spot.  Having just moved to Harlem after spending years in the Lower East Side, I needed to find me a brunch spot quickly.  Thankfully, Harley's Smokeshack filled that void quickly.  With a southern inspired menu, you'll find a tasty twist on the classic brunch menu like Chicken and Waffles or Eggs Benedict with smoky pulled pork.  Their brunch menu comes with two drinks and they're always pleasantly strong, just the way I like it!  Harley's Smokeshack also has great drink specials through out the week, so you'll find me there most evenings!

  2. I promised an update, so here we go.

    While I have yet to order food at the actual restaurant,  I came in to grab a quick drink.

    The employees are friendly. The bartender  personally came to our table to inform us that they were out of the tequila they'd normally use in the El Barrio Apricot Margarita. I appreciated the service. I will be back for happy hour, and to eventually dine in.

  3. I came here on a Sunday evening with a friend. We had the pulled pork and the corn pudding and sweet potato poppers as sides. The pulled pork was excellent. I had the spicy sauce on the side, which was great as well. The service was fast and friendly. We were attended by 2 different people, which stopped by frequently to check on us & made a helpful recommendation on the food. The cheddar and broccoli soup was also great. East harlem is lucky to have this place in the area. The interior & exterior design and atmosphere are also classy.

  4. Smokey goodness. Ordered buffalo wings and honey bbq, the meat was smoked and delicious all the way through, the meat was tender and easy off the bone.. The buffalo wings were fried crispy and smothered with hot sauce and the barbecue sauce was sweet and smokey. I will be back on a Monday when the wings are 50 cents a pop.

  5. Spanish Harlem is hit or miss. Harley's is definitely a hit.

    I've tried most everything…smoked wings, brisket, BBQ, sangria, burgers, salads…and everything is fresh and a value.

    Decor is casual roadhouse chic in a cavernous railroad layout. Huge restaurant with lots of different types of nooks makes it feel cozy without each table being on top of each other. Ambiance has all the comfy americanisms great lighting, comfortable chairs, cool roadhouse stuff to look at.

    I prefer to sit at the bar.  Priscilla and Yvette, D'quana make everyone feel at home. While they are attractive they don't trade on it. They focus on all patrons equally; young, old, male, female, professionals and construction workers. They are quick to take your order and refill your drink.

    Sometimes when things get super busy, I've noticed John (an owner) can be found pitching in and running food himself.

    The overall vibe of the service is that they care about what you eat, the drinks they serve you and that you are having a good time. They take pride. For me this is essential for a neighborhood spot.

    I'm making a point about the service because some yelpers seem to have had horrific experiences. I've been to Harley's about a dozen times. Maybe I'm exceptionally mellow or forgiving, but I haven't seen or experienced the terrible service other folks write about.

    About the food. The food is unpretentious, quality, hometown BBQ. I usually get a BBQ burger lunch if I'm on my own. Crispy buttery brioche bun, medium rare beef topped BBQ sauce, extra sharp cheddar cheese, slab of red onion, tomato. The lunch special comes with and a freshly made house salad, fries and beer for $9. An insane bargain.

    The ribs are moist and crispy. Brisket was a touch salty for my taste but maybe if they add an acidic or spicy bite like the pickled jalapeños or something sweet like a brioche bun at other BBQ joints?

    The sides are standard BBQ joint fare. The corn pudding is exceptional. It's almost dessert like in its rich custardy goodness.

    As far as authentic anything I can't say. I'm a fan of anything that tastes good or comes with coleslaw.

    Happy hour starts at 11:30a and goes for a long while. If cocktails at lunch are your thing you are in luck. Regarding cocktails if they have the ingredients they will make it for you…just ask. The sangria is made fresh daily.

    Overall, in the food desert that is Spanish Harlem filled with one mexi/cuchi/chinese spot after another, Harley's is a refreshing oasis.

  6. I'm not a BBQ person per se, but I chose for my book club to meet there for a March meeting.  I liked the restaurant décor – rustic is what I would call it.

    I ordered off the brunch menu which is a good deal for $13.95 you get a meal and two alcoholic drinks (not bad right?).  I had the breakfast Quesadilla and it was huge!  Stuffed with scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese, bacon and sausage.  It came with sour cream and pico de gallo.  It was more than I could eat but was very tasty.  My other book club members had the chicken and waffles – she said it was good but the waffles were on the small side.  Another member had the brisket but she wasn't too happy with the sauce (it had a little too much vinegar in it for her liking).  Another member had the ribs and brisket and she loved it.

    I took an order of buffalo wings home and they were alright – I probably would have liked it more had I eaten it in the restaurant while they were nice and hot.  

    The price tag wasn't bad either as it only cost us $22 per person.

    If you like BBQ and don't want to break the bank, I think you should give Harley's a try!

  7. Came for brunch. A good variety of options. Meal and two drinks for $13.95. I enjoy their eggs Benedict and crispy Caesar salad. Service friendly.

  8. Found this place on Yelp when looking for a place with good barbecue in the area. Came in with a group of friends on Thursday night. The place was packed. Happy hour was extended past its usual ending time of 7pm to 11pm. Bud, Bud Light, and Miller Lite were all only $3/bottle.

    I ordered the Deep Fried Buttermilk Chicken Sandwich and my friend got the Buffalo wings. I asked for my sandwich to be served on a bun instead of the toasted french bread but it came out on the french bread anyway. Since it took a really long time I just ate it anyway.

    My table could tell that our waitress was very busy but some of the mistakes she made were inexcusable. Food took forever. Some beers never came. And our bills were a mess.

    I would probably come back for a decent happy hour in the area but probably not for the food.

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East 116th Street 355
New York 10029 NY US
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Monday, 11:30 am - 1:00 am
Tuesday, 11:30 am - 1:00 am
Wednesday, 11:30 am - 1:00 am
Thursday, 11:30 am - 1:00 am
Friday, 11:30 am - 2:00 am
Saturday, 11:30 am - 2:00 am
Sunday, 11:30 am - 1:00 am